Lysine during pregnancy

**TwoBlue** · 04-10-2008 08:36

Has anyone been told its ok or not ok by their dr during pregnancy?

I take lysine every second day as a preventative measure and only just then went

"Oh I am pregnant.. is this ok??"

I am 5 (and a bit) weeks pregnant

so far I get mixed messages off the internet so hoping someone has actually spoken to their GP about it....

In the meantime I'll stop but now I am worried....

**Mishmash** · 04-10-2008 08:41

If thats the one to prevent cold sores then, no you cannot use it at all when pregnant. I had the same problem .......

Sorry probably not the answer you wanted

Mishmash

**Milliner** · 05-10-2008 09:37

I was told to stop taking them while pregnant. I don't think the dr knew what effects it may have but I guess they haven't done enough studies to know either way. So, to be on the safe side I would stop taking them.

**flick82** · 05-10-2008 09:47

My doc said that cant use any cold sore medication (or creams) while pregnant.

**MrsMiggins** · 05-10-2008 09:47

I was told by the chemist that it is deemed safe during BF, but not sure about PG sorry!

**teenie** · 05-10-2008 15:37

My pharmacist said topical cold sore creams are ok during pg, as only tiny amounts are used for a short period. Only miniscule amounts of the medication(if any) would get into the blood stream. Oral medication is no good - as it is absorbed straight into the blood stream. Not sure about lysine, though...it's a natural supplement, isn't it? Give medicines helpline a call - they are great.

**Angelpie1** · 14-02-2009 22:07

Hi There,

I also used to take Lysine every few days before pregnancy as a preventative measure which was extremely effective. When I got pregnant I couldn't get a straight answer as to whether or not it was safe so didn't take it at all.

I looked on the internet and got mixed messages i.e some doctors said it was fine and other said it was not recommended. Then I asked a GP and she said there was insufficient studies on the effects of use during pregnancy so it was best to avoid it. I wasn't really satisfied with this answer but didn't want to risk it so left it at that.

About a week ago I started to develop a cold sore... the worst one I have ever had. It was so bad I even went back to a doctor who said your immune system is somewhat suppressed in pregnancy and that is why it kept growing.

After a few days of feeling terrible I decided to ask my huisband to ask his naturopath friend what she though...thinknig a naturopath was more likely to know than a GP who just works with conventional drugs. She said "simple, just ring the manufacturer and ask them if it is safe"

So I got straight on the phone to Natures Own and got right through to a naturopath who told me that Lysine is a simple amino acid and is totally safe to use in pregnancy. She said 1000 mg a day is fine but that I could even ake 1500 mg for the duration of the outbreak. Obviously everyone needs to make their own enquiries for peace of mind but all I can suggest is to try speaking to the naturopaths that are available over the phone or internet at companies like Nature's Own and Blackmore's.

Sorry this was long winded but hope it helps!

**jag5000** · 15-02-2009 00:03

I was told by the royal womens hospital head pharmacist that it is safe. Good enough for me.. I took it during preg.. not all the time though. Only if I felt a 'tingle'

**SomewhereOverTheRainbow** · 15-02-2009 12:46

I agree with angelpie. Although I don't suffer cold sores myself, Lysine is just an amino acid and should be OK to take.

Other coldsore medications such as Zovirax (Acyclovir) are actually anti-viral meds and can cause problems so should be avoided where possible. However, some people (eg- HIV positive etc) still need to take anti-virals during pregnancy. If you suffer your first outbreak of cold sores during pregnancy it can cause problems with the bub so you should go straight to your OB and then you *may* need antivirals.
But anyway, Lysine is oK.